A priceless string of diamonds is said to bring disaster to the one wearing it, so people say. DIAMONDS FOR THE DEVIL BY NICKIE FLEMING

A
priceless string of diamonds is said to bring disaster to the one wearing it,
so people say. Young Marguerite de Vallencieux -- a runaway who must learn how
to survive on the streets of Paris -- knows nothing of this reputation, but as
soon as the diamonds are presented to her, a series of accidents befall her.

She
seeks help. Unfortunately, some people are not whom they claim to be, and it
becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. She can only
rely on her cleverness of mind and her feelings.

Will
she be able to fight off evil, and find her way to love and happiness through
all this turmoil?

Traffic
in Paris was in a mess once more. Small
wonder, thought Marguerite, with this
nice spring weather everyone wants to go out.

EXCERPT:

"Madame la baronesse?" A face popped up next to the
window of the carriage. "The coachman says we're probably stuck here for an
hour or more. Is there anything I can do for you in the meantime?"

"I'm
in no hurry, Henri." She sighed nevertheless. One hour could be a long
time, and the coach would get hotter as the sun reached its zenith. Could she?
The new idea became more attractive by the second.

"As
it is, I've changed my mind," she announced. "I want to go for a
walk. We are not far from the Pont Neuf, are we? I'd like to have a look around
there. You can come along to protect me. Come, help me out."

While
he offered her his hand, she saw the servant frown.

"It
is my duty to warn Madame that the bridge is an unsafe place for people of
quality, especially when they are so richly dressed. You'll be an open
invitation to every pickpocket present."

Marguerite
could not prevent a light smile. Henri had served the De Laneuil family for
ages and had grown very protective towards its members. "I'm sure you're
exaggerating, Henri. Besides, you'll be there to watch over me. Don't I notice
a big gun between your belt?"

"I'll
keep my eyes open", he swore, cursing under his breath for the folly his
mistress displayed.

There
were no ho-hum moments and I found myself going back to read again and again
until I had finished.